The Power of a Cooperative – Survival of the Fittest

Craft beer isn’t what it used to be it. In the past couple of years the industry has moved from it’s growth phase to maturity. Sales are flat to declining. Other beverage types steal share. Brewers continue to face cost and supply issues and other surprises. And in 2024, for the first time more breweries closed than opened.

In short, it’s exactly the kind of industry cooperatives are built for. That’s because co-ops give small, independent businesses the economies of scale typically only available to big corporations. The benefits offered by co-ops can take many forms. In the IBA’s case the primary benefit we offer is Collective Purchasing Power – giving members lower pricing and volume-based rebates on all kinds of goods and services they could never negotiate on their own.  And as we grow these get better and better.

How It Works

The combined production of our 600+ Member-Brewers is now over 2.2-million barrels. This gives the IBA unprecedented buying power that attracts many of the industries biggest and best supplier-partners allowing the IBA to offer members deep savings on all kinds of expenses. And the IBA’s staff does all the hard work of finding, vetting and negotiating with suppliers – saving members time as well as money.

So, face the future with a strong cooperative at your back. It may be the smartest move you can make right now. And you can join for free.

To get any questions answered, contact James Stutsman – Director of Recruitment – and a true industry veteran at james@brewersalliance.org. There are also two ways to join. Learn more here and If you’re interested in joining, the IBA is currently accepting applications from qualified craft brewers. Fill out our easy, no-obligation member application.